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164
seminated among patients and their friends more care is now exercised
by them in preventing the spread of infection.
Four open-air shelters were purchased during the year of a type
suitable for erection in back gardens or yards where space permitted.
These shelters are in sections which can easily be transported, and can
pass through a small passage or doorway.
Three of these are in use and serve the double purpose of giving the
patient open-air treatment and lessening the probability of infection
indoors.
There are not many suitable sites nor are the climatic conditions
locally adapted to the utilisation of this method of dealing with cases on
a large scale, but where it is possible it is a useful addition to our means
of combating the disease.
Where there is overcrowding and fear of infection we also lend bedsteads
to the patients, and at present we have ten iu use; there is great
need for this and more will shortly be required, they are used either for
the isolation of the patient or also for the separation of healthy from
tubercular cases where they are not in a position to buy extra beds for
themselves.
280 Sputum Flasks were distributed during the year, and constant
supervision is exercised by the dispensary staff to ensure that these
flasks are used and kept clean, and that all infectious material is promptly
destroyed.
Beds and bedding are removed and disinfected and rooms cleansed
on the death or removal of an infectious case, and every effort is made to
ensure ventilation, disinfection and cleanly habits in the homes.
Six voluntary health visitors were appointed during the year to
work in conjunction with the Care Committee. Some difficulty was
experienced in getting ladies to undertake the work, and before the end
of the year all but one of these ladies had resigned, and it has not been
found possible to replace them.
During the year Tuberculin has still been used in suitable cases with
good results, and several definite cases are under us who have been
steadily treated since 1914, and are doing well. This treatment, however,
is only suitable for a limited number of selected cases.